Sam Bennett bags first pro win in Spanish Clasica de Almeria

Sam Bennett's NetApp Endura team has been given a wild card entry to the Tour de France, where he may feature
Sam Bennett's NetApp Endura team has been given a wild card entry to the Tour de France, where he may feature

Irish rider Sam Bennett has clocked up his first win as a professional rider by taking the Clasica de Almeria in Spain.

Less than a month after riding his first race with his new NetApp Endura team, Bennett was fastest at the end of the 1.HC world-ranked race, beating Juan Jose Lobato (Movistar), Davide Vigano (Caja Rural - Seguros RGA) and Fran Ventoso (Movistar) to the line.

Bennett recently finished third on the final stage of the Tour of Oman, and Sunday’s result is further evidence of his improving form.

His team has been given a wildcard invite to the Tour de France and, providing things go well before then, his status as the team's top sprinter means that he would be likely to ride in cycling's top event.

He competed for several seasons with the An Post Sean Kelly team, and secured a place with NetApp Endura when he won a stage of the Tour of Britain last September.